Parsha Pinchas: Numbers 25:10-30:1, 1 Kings 18:46-19:21

In Numbers 27 we see that the torch of Israel’s leadership is passed from Moses to Joshua. Although Moses was able to see the Promised Land of Canaan, he was not allowed to enter it because G-d said, “… you did not trust in Me, to show My holiness before the eyes of the Israelites … “.

Moses spent 40 years leading a group of whiny, ungrateful, slanderous, deceitful people that routinely threatened his life. But rather than being self-centered and overcome with disappointment, Moses’ greatest concern was still for his people. What an amazing example.

His words show his character, “Let the L-rd, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”

Moses evidently was content with G-d’s plan for him as nowhere do we hear pleading or any anger from Moses over G-d’s decision. Like, Moses we all must learn to be content with G-d’s plan for us, even when it brings us disappointments. G-d always desires what is best for us.

A little later G-d reviews some of the offerings with the Israelites. Just as the offerings were to be brought regularly, so our fellowship with G-d should be regular and voluntary. It should be a continuous, moment-by-moment experience. G-d desires more than ritual worship; he invites us to have a personal, day-by-day relationship with him.

Only through continuous fellowship with G-d could G-d’s people expect victory as they entered the Promised Land. This is probably the reason for repeating the instructions for the burnt offering here – a reaffirmation of its significance for the new generation. By bringing the offering, a person was committing his or her life to G-d in a fresh way. This is an essential step for our spiritual growth. Only when we place our life in G-d’s hands will He be able to change us through His power.

Of course it is easier to say than to do. Although one of my favorite hymns is “I Surrender All”, I should probably sing it as “I surrender some”.

I hope any of you that are able, will join the 9:00 am Shabbat Teva Tefilah. We pray for Temple that the will of G-d will be done, that He keeps us on his path, and that we surrender all to Him as individuals and as a congregation.